This Thanksgiving holiday season is shaping up to be one for the books, as millions of Americans hit the roads and skies to reunite with family and friends. Travel expert predictions indicate it will be the busiest travel period on record, and officials have shared updates on travel conditions, potential weather disruptions, and tips for travelers aiming to avoid delays.
According to the AAA, nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, which spans from November 26 to December 2. A significant chunk of this cohort, about 6 million travelers, will be booked on flights. Airports across the country, especially those situated near major metropolitan areas like New York City, are bracing for record-breaking passenger volumes.
"We've already had a record-breaking year," mentioned Jeffrey Bartley, director of innovation and marketing at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. "On some days, we've seen over 3,000 passengers passing through TSA. Right now, we're handling between 2,000 and 2,500 passengers, which is a great pace for us. We're fully prepared and ready to welcome everyone to kick off the holiday season." His airport alone is preparing for one of its busiest travel periods ever, reflecting broader trends seen nationwide.
Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and JFK airports are expected to see considerable traffic as well, with the Transportation Security Administration forecasting over 2.9 million people screened on the busiest travel day, which falls on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Ground delays have already begun, with reports of 95-minute wait times at Newark, attributed to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers.
Travelers flying to or from major hubs should also keep tabs on potential weather impacts. The National Weather Service has stated there could be significant rain moving through the Northeast just before Thanksgiving Day. This wet weather can lead to airport delays and could dampen plans for those attending iconic events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Fortunately, upstate New York might see some snow as Thanksgiving approaches, potentially complicing travel for those headed to areas like Syracuse, Buffalo, and Binghamton.
But for the savvy traveler, there are strategies to minimize holiday stress. Experts recommend arriving at the airport at least two to three hours before flights, especially during peak times. With crowded TSA lines and potential delays, patience and preparedness will be key!
Driving is also likely to be popular this year, as many travelers will opt for road trips. AAA projected significant increases in vehicle travel as local destinations and homes take precedence over far-flung vacations. Ohio alone is expected to see more than three million residents crisscrossing the state for the holiday.
To ease congestion, the Ohio Department of Transportation will reduce the scale of its construction zones, allowing traffic to flow more freely. Matt Brunning, spokesperson for ODOT, noted the importance of staying informed about road conditions. Drivers can utilize resources like OHGO, which helps travelers stay updated on traffic and construction status.
The increase in vehicle traffic, paired with December's holiday season on its heels, means law enforcement will ramp up patrols to deter speeders and impaired driving. The Ohio State Highway Patrol will have additional patrols on the road during this time to keep travelers safe.
Returning to Newark and three major NYC airports, weather patterns predict rain coupled with increasing winds as the holiday weekend approaches. Travelers should remain vigilant and check the flight status regularly before heading to the airport.
And don’t forget the travelers’ golden rule: flexibility is key. Booking flights on Thanksgiving Day can often snag last-minute discounts, and early birds who hit the skies before peak hours are typically more insulated from delays.
Altogether, Thanksgiving 2024 promises to be another memorable holiday season as returning home our love-filled feasts and family gatherings take center stage. With proper planning, passengers can rejoice rather than stress over their travel experiences.
This article utilizes reporting from the Associated Press, FOX 5 NY, WPTZ, WXII, and other reliable sources to roundup the most pressing travel updates for Thanksgiving 2024.
